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A Retail Life

They trudged through the side entrance past the wall of Pepsi products down the aisle between beauty aids and bedding, passing stacks of toilet paper ‘As Seen on TV’ and sporting goods deeper into the insatiable appetite of American consumerism They entered through the door marked DO NOT ENTER! climbed the stairs to exchange their freedom for a badge number and a pricing gun to trade their free-will for numbness They are now doomed to lurk up and down those never ending corridors seeking, probing…forever searching for the end of another work day

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/22/2023 1:26:00 AM

I had to snicker a bit because almost everyone I know has entered this door "They entered through the door marked DO NOT ENTER!" hahahaha - including me!

Jerry Brotherton
Date: 8/22/2023 9:15:00 AM

Before I worked in retail, I was always intrigued by the doors that seemingly led to nowhere. I never thought about them leading me into the 'belly of the beast'.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 8/18/2023 3:49:00 PM

In a way very sad but I think most people in jobs like that find a way to make it a little more interesting and fun. Thanks for sharing this one with us..Sara

Jerry Brotherton
Date: 8/19/2023 2:27:00 PM

You're right, Sara. As the manager of a big box store, we tried to keep our employees excited with monthly lunches, daily recognition, etc. but boring is still boring. But it's that way with almost any job. I guess that's why they call it work.

Jan Allison

Date: 8/18/2023 2:17:00 PM

A thought provoking piece jerry so much goes on behind the scenes and everyone plays an important role. I especially love the lines after do not enter and the imagery of the supermarket products too:-) hugs Jan xx

Jerry Brotherton
Date: 8/19/2023 2:23:00 PM

Jan, I worked for 6 years in retail just before retirement. But probably every job has its downside. Thanks for reading.